The agreement, signed during the latter part of former President Barack Obama’s presidential tenure, requires countries around the globe to work together in an effort to reduce annual temperatures from rising above a certain average.

Although there’s no legal obligation to remain part of the agreement, as one of the most powerful and respected nations on earth, Trump’s latest move makes a blatant statement in regards to where the United States’ interests lie (Hint: Not with the well-being of the planet.)

The move sparked international outrage, including backlash from our own prime minister and climate champion, Justin Trudeau.

We are deeply disappointed that the United States federal government has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

“We are deeply disappointed that the United States federal government has decided to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Canada is unwavering in our commitment to fight climate change and support clean economic growth. Canadians know we need to take decisive and collective action to tackle the many harsh realities of our changing climate.”

The prime minister remains optimistic, however, that other countries will continue to fight climate change, despite the giant step backwards on part of the United States.

“While the U.S. decision is disheartening, we remain inspired by the growing momentum around the world to combat climate change and transition to clean growth economies. We are proud that Canada stands united with all the other parties that support the Agreement. We will continue to work with our domestic and international partners to drive progress on one of the greatest challenges we face as a world.”

Critics and supporters of the decision alike, have speculated that President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement in an effort to prioritize the economy. However, as Trudeau points out, there are “huge economic opportunities” to be found with the use of clean energy resources.

“This is not only about the huge economic opportunities of clean growth and the need to address the pressing threats of climate change. This is about an ambitious and unshakeable desire to leave a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for our kids and for generations to come.”

Trudeau eloquently concluded his statement by saying that Canada will continue to work with the U.S. to mitigate the effects of climate change, albeit in other ways.

“We are all custodians of this world, and that is why Canada will continue to work with the U.S. at the state level, and with other U.S. stakeholders, to address climate change and promote clean growth. We will also continue to reach out to the U.S. federal government to discuss this matter of critical importance for all humankind, and to identify areas of shared interest for collaboration, including on emissions reductions.”

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Olive Murphy

Olive Murphy is an independent journalist covering Canadian & U.S. politics. She contributes to Bipartisan Report and is the editor-in-chief of Liberal Canadian. She's liberal in political ideology, but considers herself independent of political affiliation. Follow her on Facebook & Twitter for more.
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